Chapter 26

Adding Rodein to the remedial class would increase the workload not only for Judith but also for Professor Karel.

This was because they would have to submit related documents to the academy.

Therefore, Judith expected that Professor Karel, who disliked troublesome tasks, would reject his request outright.

At least until she received a summons from Professor Karel to visit his office.

Creak-.

As she opened the door to the office, trying to calm her pounding heart, her eyes met with gray ones. Professor Karel was standing right in front of the door.

Professor Karel opened his arms wide as if to welcome Judith. It was an unexpectedly grand welcome.

“Judith, I knew you would do this.”

“…”

Why was the professor acting like this?

Judith froze, still holding the doorknob.

She was about to greet him, but Professor Karel spoke first in a voice filled with emotion.

“I knew from the moment I proposed the remedial accounting class to you that this day would come.”

“Pardon?”

Professor Karel’s ash-colored eyes, which were always unfocused and hazy.

But today, for some reason, they seemed lively and bright. His eyes, gazing at Judith, were as clear as if the mist had lifted.

Why is he acting like this?

Unable to guess, Judith just blinked. However, Professor Karel didn’t seem angry.

He gestured for the bewildered Judith to come over to where he was, in front of an antique desk.

On the desk was a black nameplate. And on that nameplate, it said “Judith.”

It was strange. 

Why was there a nameplate with my name on it on Professor Karel’s office desk?

Judith stood still as if her feet were glued to the floor, then reluctantly approached the desk.

The desk was filled with books, notebooks, and pens, as if it had an owner…

…Could it be?!

Judith’s complexion turned pale as if she had seen a ghost.

“Go ahead and sit down.”

Oddly, Professor Karel’s voice was gentle. Like flower petals fluttering in the spring breeze.

But despite the warm invitation, Judith couldn’t bring herself to sit down.

She had an ominous feeling that if she sat in that chair, there would be no turning back.

“It won’t wear out just by sitting.”

“…Yes.”

But with Professor Karel’s continued urging, she had no choice but to sit down.

The chair was comfortable. Her legs didn’t drag on the floor, nor did her feet dangle. It felt as if it had been custom-made for Judith.

Judith’s complexion grew even paler.

Just then, a cold breeze seemed to brush past her neck, making her shoulders shiver, and Professor Karel muttered.

“It fits perfectly. It took a long time, but it was worth having it custom-made.”

Did he really have it custom-made?

Judith’s pupils trembled as if there was an earthquake. Whether he noticed Judith’s shock or not, Professor Karel looked satisfied.

Then he said something even more chilling.

“The chairs in the accounting classroom are a bit high for you. Since you’ll be sitting for a long time, the chair should at least be comfortable.”

“…”

“This desk is also prepared for you.”

Judith couldn’t say a word. The ominous suspicion she had when she saw the nameplate had become a reality.

Seeing Judith’s lips move silently, Professor Karel spoke.

“But don’t feel pressured to speak. I’m just giving it to you because I wanted to.”

Even though he said not to feel pressured…

It was quite overwhelming.

Judith, unsure of what to do, just fidgeted with her fingers and looked up at Professor Karel.

There were always wrinkles on Professor Karel’s forehead. Whether he was teaching or walking down the hallway, it was the same.

But for some reason, the current Professor Karel had relaxed those deep wrinkles and was smiling kindly.

“I always knew this day would come. Judith, it seems you’ve taken an interest in the role of an assistant professor.”

Judith was extremely flustered by the sudden situation, but she couldn’t just keep listening.

“Interest? Why would you say that, Professor, when suddenly—”

Judith’s words were cut off. Professor Karel abruptly interrupted her.

“You wanted to include Rodein in the remedial accounting class, didn’t you?”

“…Yes, that’s right.”

Judith answered honestly and hung her head.

“I’m sorry, Professor. Rodein was so earnest in his request that I couldn’t refuse…”

But Professor Karel shook his head.

“There’s nothing to apologize for. Rather, it’s commendable.”

Surprised by his unexpected words, Judith looked up. His ash-colored eyes were filled with warmth.

“Wanting to include Rodein in the remedial class means you wish to teach as many students as possible, doesn’t it?”

In truth, Judith hadn’t accepted Rodein into the class with that intention…

It seemed Professor Karel had misunderstood something serious. His eyes were already filled with admiration for Judith.

“My judgment wasn’t wrong. You’re the perfect candidate to succeed me.”

Has the professor still not given up?

Judith’s eyes shook uncontrollably.

While it was a relief that he didn’t seem to be planning to scold her, the situation was still awkward.

“…I must have misheard.”

She tried to play dumb, but it was no use.

“You’re welcome to come to my office starting tomorrow. You might not have realized it yet, but you’ve instinctively been following the path of an assistant professor.”

Professor Karel smiled contentedly.

Judith was suddenly scared. The thought of being dragged along by Professor Karel if she didn’t handle this carefully flashed through her mind.

For example, reading a mountain of papers next to Professor Karel with sunken eyes…

The perfectly fitting chair suddenly felt like a torture device, and Judith sprang to her feet.

“Why are you suddenly standing? Is something uncomfortable?”

“No, the chair itself was comfortable. It’s just.”

After taking a deep breath, Judith began to pour out her excuses.

“There seems to be a misunderstanding. I didn’t accept Rodein with the intention of what you’re thinking of, Professor .”

“Then why?”

“It’s just that I felt sorry for Rodein, who said he was struggling to keep up with the classes, so I accepted him out of sympathy.”

It felt like she was throwing Rodein under the bus, but she had no choice. The situation was urgent, and she needed to survive first.

However, Professor Karel, who had been listening quietly, furrowed his brow in confusion.

“What are you talking about? Rodein is struggling to keep up with the classes?”

“I heard that he finds it difficult to understand the day’s lessons even after reviewing them.”

Sorry, Rodein.

Judith apologized inwardly to the unfortunate Rodein, whose name kept coming up. She resolved to teach him sincerely from now on.

But Professor Karel stroked his chin as if pondering something.

“Hmm, that’s strange. For the top student in the first year to say such a thing.”

“Top student?”

“Yes, he answers questions as if he’s prepared for them.”

Judith was dumbfounded. Rodein’s words and Professor Karel’s words were different.

That meant one of them was lying…

At that moment, a knock sounded.

Bang, bang, bang!

It was a rough noise, as if someone was about to break down the door.

Judith was startled.

The fact that someone would knock so roughly on Professor Karel’s office door, of all places.

“Who is this rude person with no manners?”

Professor Karel spat out the words as he strode towards the door.

His heavy footsteps seemed to reveal his displeased mood.

Whoever it was, they were in big trouble.

Judith watched the situation unfold as if she were watching a fire from across the river.

Professor Karel opened the door forcefully, and as soon as it swung wide open, pure silver hair came into view.

“Huh?”

Judith’s mouth dropped open.

The disrespectful person who sold their manners was none other than Chase.

“So it was you?”

Professor Karel pinched his forehead as if he couldn’t believe it.

Chase should have been bowing and apologizing, but his back remained straight.

For a moment, Chase’s eyes met Judith’s. With fiery red eyes, Chase glanced at her and shouted.

“Why did you call Judith to your office again?”

“What?”

Professor Karel let out a sigh of disbelief.

Why was my name suddenly coming up?

Feeling uneasy, Judith watched Professor Karel’s reaction. It was a strange situation where Judith, who had done nothing wrong, was the one feeling anxious.

In the meantime, the conversation between Professor Karel and Chase continued.

“Do you have a problem with me calling Judith?”

“I’m not complaining, I’m curious. Why do you keep calling a mere student to your office, Professor?”

Chase said, with a face full of dissatisfaction for anyone to see.